Over $1 mil in marijuana plants seized in Queen Anne’s County
Investigators in Queen Anne’s and Kent County say they have seized over a million dollars worth of marijuana from a farm in Chesterville.
The Maryland State Police say around mid-August, they found a possible outdoor marijuana growing operation on Chesterville Bridge Road, and started an investigation. MSP, along with the Queen Anne’s County Drug Task force and the Kent County Narcotics Task Force, spearheaded the investigation. Investigators said they found that the 15 acre overgrown property had been abandoned several years ago, and included a large home that had been entirely covered in plywood, and several out-buildings. The property was apparently only occasionally visited by Delaware family members.
The Task Force says they ran surveillance for several days, but didn’t see anyone coming or going to the property. On August 20, Investigators with the Drug Task Forces received a warrant, and searched the home and property with the help of Talbot County Narcotics Task Force, the Maryland State Police S.T.A.T.E team, the Maryland State Police Marijuana Eradication unit, the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland State Police Centreville Barrack, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police and an investigator from Homeland Security Investigations.
Inside the home, Police say they found an indoor grow operation in the basement, where marijuana plants were started before moving outside. There were also reportedly a small amount of processed marijuana, a heat sealer and multiple gallon plastic bags, along with personal items of two suspects who are believed to have been dropped off just to tend to and cultivate the plants.
Police say they also found that a pitbull dog had been put at the entrance to the field where marijuana was growing, in an apparent attempt to keep people out. Investigators say they borrowed a backhoe from a neighboring farm, in order to make their way to the marijuana plants.
According to the report, 714 adult marijuana plants ranging from 6-10 feet tall were seized. The plants were apparently being well cared for, with a homemade irrigation and fertilizer system. The Task Force says the marijuana was an exotic variety, and was only several weeks away from being harvested. The total street value for the seizure is estimated at $1,450,000. Animal Control reportedly seized the dog, and it has already been adopted.
Investigators say several strong leads came from the search, and the investigation into the grow operation is continuing. The suspects are reportedly facing charges including manufacture of marijuana, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia. Anyone with information should contact the Sheriff’s Office at 410-758-0770.
